9 Fourth of July events in Columbia to put on your calendar
The Fourth of July is upon us, and there are plenty of places in Columbia and beyond offering Independence Day celebrations.
Whether you want to take in a baseball game with fireworks, catch a parade or listen to some patriotic music, Go Columbia has you covered.
LAKE MURRAY
4th of July Celebration on the lake
The 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray, set for Saturday, July 2, features a boat parade and evening fireworks launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park to choreographed music airing on local radio. Tune into Lexington’s own Z93.1FM The Lake or Cumulus Broadcasting stations B106.7FM or NASH ICON 98.5FM for the Choreographed Patriotic Music Show.
The theme for this year’s boat parade is “Saluting Our Troops.” The best place to view the Boat Parade is via boat, but you also can see the show at the park sites at Lake Murray dam.
Call (803) 781-5940 or stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center at 2184 North Lake Drive to register your boat for the parade.
The fireworks show at Spence and Dreher islands will begin around 9 p.m., but get there early because gates will close at 8 p.m. Park admission for Dreher Island State Park is $2 for adults, $1.25 for seniors and free for children under 15.
Admission for Lake Murray Dam sites is $3 per car, $2 per motorcycle and $5 per bus. Gates will be open until park spaces reach capacity.
Dreher Island State Park is at 3677 State Park Road. The SCE&G Dam Public Boat Ramp is at 1201 North Lake Drive. www.lakemurraycountry.com
Star Spangled Symphonic Salute
Join the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra for a musical tribute to the founding of our nation. The symphony will play a selection of patriotic songs as well as a few Broadway show tunes and sing-alongs. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets, and settle in for some old-fashioned Independence Day fun.
8 p.m. Sunday, July 3 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Free, but $5 per car parking fee. www.lmso.org
DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA
Columbia Fireflies fireworks
Is there anything more American than baseball? Cheer on the Columbia Fireflies against the Charleston Riverdogs, then stay for fireworks. Bring the family for a special “Family Feast” package that includes a buffet and a post-game running of the bases.
7:05 p.m. Monday, July 4. (803) 726-4487 or www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t3705
Born in the USA 4-miler run and relay
Put on some red, white and blue running clothes and pre-emptively burn off the burgers and hot dogs you’re going to eat later. Run four miles yourself, or sign up as a team of two.
7:45 a.m. Monday, July 4 at corner of Trenholm Road and 4801 Forest Drive. $35, $45 on race day. Early packet pick-up is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, July 1-Sunday, July 3 at Strictly Running, 2515 Devine St. On site registration will be available starting at 6:30 a.m. Monday. www.strictlyrunning.com
Star Spangled Day at Edventure
Celebrate the 240th birthday of the USA by indulging in red, white, and blue birthday cake. Learn patriotic songs and the science behind fireworks. Listen to Independence Day stories and join in a parade in the museum led by Uncle Sam.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at Edventure Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. Free with membership or regular admission.
FORT JACKSON
4th of July 5K /10K Fun Run/Walk
Start your day with some PT at the Fort Jackson 4 of July run. Sign up for 3.1 or 6.2 miles.
8 a.m. Saturday, July 2 at Hilton Field on Hartsville Guard Road. Free, but pre-registration is requested. Call (803) 751-3096 or (803) 751-3486. jackson.mhsoftware.com
Torchlight Tattoo & Fireworks
The annual Torchlight Tattoo and Fireworks display at Fort Jackson includes a cannon salute to each state and territory, music by the 282nd Army Victory Band and a 30-minute fireworks display.
There will be kiddie rides and games on Hilton Field beginning at 4 p.m. and a flyover at 6:30 p.m. The Root Doctors and Mya Marie Harrison will provide entertainment. The military tattoo begins at 9 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m..
Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, and there is bleacher seating. Food vendors will be available.
4-10 p.m. Saturday, July 2 at Hilton Field on Hartsville Guard Road. Free. Access to the installation for non-military affiliated people will be through Gate 2 (Forest Drive/Strom Thurmond Boulevard), or Gate 4 (Percival/Boyden Arbor Road). Everyone older than 16 must have valid ID for entry. www.discoversouthcarolina.com
LEXINGTON
Lexington County Peach Festival
The Peach Festival is back for its 58th year with food, entertainment, a parade and fireworks. Enter the peach recipe contest, drool over antique cars and chow down on all things peach including cobblers, pies, slushies, sundaes and ice cream.
9 a.m.-11p.m. Monday, July 4 at the Gilbert Community Park on Rikard Circle in Gilbert. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on Hampton Street and fireworks begin at 10 p.m. in the field behind Gilbert Primary School. Free. www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com
Lexington County Blowfish fireworks
The Blowfish will have Independence Day fireworks following every game from Friday, July 1-Monday, July 4.
474 Ballpark Road, Lexington. $6-$9. www.goblowfishbaseball.com